Dry/wet weather flip-flop fuels fire potential

Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties have already received well above the normal amount of rain this winter. The rain this winter is great for California’s drought, but actually creates a bigger threat for wildfires. Fire crews are concerned about the amount of vegetation that’s growing on our hillside

“And then we get a bit of rain to help dampen it, and for a few days it’ll be moist and it’ll mitigate that threat of fire for a short period of time,” said Jonathan Pangburn with Cal Fire. “But then that vegetation will dry back out.”

Once all of the luscious, green vegetation on our hillsides dries out it becomes more fuel for fires. According to Cal Fire there’s been a dramatic increase in wildfires statewide over the past few years, a trend that is likely to continue.

“There will certainly be more fuel to burn because of the additional rain we’ve been having,” said Pangburn.

Carmel Valley residents recall the Tassajara fire last year that scorched more than a thousand acres and are doing what they can to prevent wildfires in the first place.

“Well we try to have everything clean around the house, whatever brush we see,” said Ramiro Gonzales, a Carmel Valley resident.

Wet winters are a brief relief from wildfires, but not long enough. In California there’s always fire danger, no matter the time of year.

“Unfortunately, most of the state has year round fire season now, and we’re no exception here on the central coast,” said Pangburn.

For those who live in wooded areas, building defensible space to protect your home is required by law. According to Cal Fire, all homes must be free of tall grass and plants within 100 feet.